Spots going fastArctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords To East Greenland
Linblad / Nat. Geo. • National Geographic Explorer
Aug 2, 2026
$10,129/person
View Deal →MS Narvik vs National Geographic Explorer
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 10.1. National Geographic Explorer edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.7:1, meaning more crew per guest. MS Narvik accommodates 474 more guests (622 vs 148), making it the larger resort-at-sea — National Geographic Explorer trades capacity for a more intimate atmosphere.
Score: 2 – 3
Quick Compare
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Category
MS Narvik
National Geographic Explorer
Size
6,257 GT
6,471 GT
Passengers
622
148
Year Built
1982
1982
Crew Ratio
1:12.4
1:1.7
Space Ratio
10.1
43.7
Decks
—
—
Length
108m
108m
From Price
—
$10,129/pp
Comparison Verdict
National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 10.1. National Geographic Explorer edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.7:1, meaning more crew per guest. MS Narvik accommodates 474 more guests (622 vs 148), making it the larger resort-at-sea — National Geographic Explorer trades capacity for a more intimate atmosphere.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | National Geographic Explorer |
| Capacity | MS Narvik |
| Modernity | Tie |
| Service | National Geographic Explorer |
| Spaciousness | National Geographic Explorer |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | Tie |
| Fleet Power | MS Narvik |
Bottom line: National Geographic Explorer leads 3–2 across our categories — strongest in Size. Choose National Geographic Explorer for overall superiority; pick MS Narvik if Capacity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose National Geographic Explorer if...
- Size matters to you (6,471 GT)
- Better service ratio (1.7:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (43.7 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
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Sailing Prices
| MS Narvik | National Geographic Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | — | $10,129 pp |
| Departing | — | Aug 2 |
| Duration | — | null nights |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Deep Dive
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data — gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better — more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes — up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
